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“Performers can focus on bringing their own personalities and interpretations on stage without any pressure of comparison or competition with other performers. This is what a performing career is all about – being yourself and touching the hearts of your audience. It is definitely not only about sitting for music exams or winning competitions. My heartiest congratulations to SMTA for their efforts in giving young musicians here not only opportunities, but the right kind of platforms for them to experience the life of a concert artist and share their gift with others”

“Performing at the SMTA Festival as a teenager gave me some of my most rewarding and formative musical experiences. It is a genuinely nurturing platform for young musicians. With the introduction of the Le Petit edition over the years, the festivals are now an annual platform that support students at multiple stages of their development.

As a teacher today, it is the first festival I recommend to my students. The adjudicators are active musicians who offer thoughtful written and verbal feedback, making the experience both rigorous and encouraging.

I had an exceptional experience at the 2nd Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) 2024 in Berlin.

My journey began with the 4th Le Petit Performers’ Fest 2021 and continued at the 8th Singapore Performers’ Festival 2024 where I developed confidence, musical maturity, and motivation. The diverse categories challenged me to explore varied repertoire; performing a work by Jonathan Shin and competing for the FIMA scholarship were especially memorable.

Constructive adjudicators’ feedback after each round provided clear direction for growth. I was also honoured to perform at the Closing Gala at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall, gaining valuable concert experience.

Receiving the FIMA scholarship brought me to Berlin, where a rich programme of masterclasses, concerts, and workshops deepened my learning. Having prepared my repertoire at PF allowed me to fully engage and benefit from these opportunities. My second participation was even more rewarding, featuring a rare opportunity to perform a piano concerto with orchestra and conductor, alongside solo and chamber performances - significantly strengthening my confidence and stage experience.

Beyond the musical growth, the friendships and shared experiences made the journey truly meaningful as a developing musician. I am deeply grateful to the organisers of PF and FIMA, and I look forward to returning.

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Participating in the 5th Singapore Performers’ Festival 2014 was a truly unforgettable experience, made even more remarkable by the SMTA team’s incredible dedication. Every detail of the festival is thoughtfully and meticulously organized, from the registration, the booking of practice time to going on stage to perform for an esteemed jury, on quality grand pianos in beautiful venues. It created a supportive stage where young musicians like me have an opportunity to shine. Receiving the Platinum award and scholarship was an honour, but even more inspiring was being part of a community in Singapore where talent is celebrated, encouraged and nurtured.

As SMTA marks its 60th anniversary, I encourage future participants to embrace this opportunity to step onto the stage with confidence, share your passion, and trust in the festival’s superb guidance. You’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to showcase your music in a nurturing environment as well as beautiful memories and inspiration that last a lifetime.

“Returning to the S’pore Performers’ Festival as an adjudicator’s assistant felt like stepping into the same room with different ears. As a participant, I often found myself listening outwards — seeking affirmation, measuring myself against others, chasing a version of “better”. Coming back, I found what it meant to listen inwards. I heard not just accuracy or technique, but intention, courage, and joy.

Being part of the adjudication process reminded me why I continue to practice music today — not to measure progress against someone else’s, but because music has become a source of enjoyment and personal meaning. Progress in music isn’t linear, nor does it look the same for everyone. Learning to accept this has been an important part of my own growth.

This experience reaffirmed my belief that music is something to be nurtured with patience and curiosity. I hope the young performers of today can come to see music not only as something to be evaluated, but as something to be enjoyed and lived with overtime. When progress is guided by passion rather than competition, music becomes more honest, more fulfilling, and more lasting.”  (in italics)

“As a student intern assisting the adjudicators, I was able to see things from a new perspective that was different from that of the audience or performer. Although I have had past musical experiences, seeing the adjudicators write down their thoughts for every performer so fluidly and nimbly, no matter the duration of performance, made me deeply appreciate their skill and effort. I can feel that they sincerely wish for every performer to put their best foot forward in communicating music through their performance; they did not hold back in giving words of encouragement and advice.”

“I participated in the 5th LPPF to increase my exposure performing in front of a live audience and to gauge how much I've improved in my confidence onstage and my own playing. I always learn something new from the adjudicator’s comments. This year, Dr Nellie Seng commented on exploring how to present a piece and bring out the character of the participants’ pieces. I also learn something new from listening to each participant's performance, what and what not to apply in my own performance and pieces  “

“I participated in the 5th LPPF 2022 June to gain exposure in giving a public performance. It is my first public performance. The takeaway for me was the overall experience of performing on a grand piano!”